The Comunicano for Tuesday November 19th 2024

Alright, let’s talk about the whirlwind of innovation, power plays, and the human spirit in a digital age that’s rewriting the rulebook every day.

Imagine this—one of the most dominant players in the tech world being told to break itself apart. Google. Chrome here, Android over there, all in the name of antitrust. But here’s the kicker: untangling these ecosystems might create more confusion than clarity. You don’t just yank threads from a woven tapestry without risking the whole thing unraveling. Across the Atlantic, though, the vibe is different. Collaborative AI ventures between Google and Anthropic gets a green light, showing that innovation and regulation can coexist—at least sometimes….Meanwhile, AI keeps strutting forward like it owns the place. From chatbots that see the world through your camera to European startups punching above their weight with open-source tools, the game is speeding up. The question isn’t just who’s winning—it’s what the rules even are. And as we build smarter machines, we’re left asking uncomfortable questions about ourselves. Are our thoughts as mechanical as the algorithms we create? Maybe it’s time to push past the loops and rediscover what makes us truly human.

Then there’s social media—a reboot here, a revolution there. Instagram is offering resets like it’s a digital detox spa. Bluesky is luring users away from big tech with the promise of control, simplicity, and transparency. The message is clear: People are done being reduced to data points. They want platforms that work for them, not the other way around.

Of course, progress isn’t always smooth. Take Alexa’s delays—proof that even giants stumble. Or Coca-Cola’s AI ad fiasco, where cold algorithms replaced the warmth of nostalgia. The lesson? Not every tool suits every job. And in warehouses where robots and humans coexist, the future is hybrid. Automation handles the heavy lifting, but the fine-tuned finesse? That’s still a human gig.

Oh, and about EV chargers—they’re not just functional anymore; they’re strategic. They’re shaping where we shop and how we think about sustainability. Even something as basic as refueling is evolving into an experience.

Ultimately, whether we’re questioning the nature of time or tweaking algorithms, the real challenge is the same: How do we keep innovating while staying grounded? The answer is out there—if we’re brave enough to find it. Keep moving. Keep reading. And keep enjoying The Comunciano!!!

Andy Abramson

Google Watch

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do—The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to request that a judge compel Google to divest its Chrome browser, aiming to address antitrust concerns. Additionally, the DOJ seeks to decouple Google's Android operating system from its other products, including search and the Google Play Store. However, these proposals raise questions about their practicality and potential impact on Google's ecosystem. For instance, if Google were forced to sell Chrome, it remains unclear who would provide the default web browser for Android devices. Similarly, separating Android from the Google Play Store could disrupt the integrated user experience that many consumers currently expect.

It’s All Good—The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its examination of Alphabet's partnership with AI startup Anthropic, determining that the collaboration does not warrant further investigation under merger provisions. This decision follows the CMA's initial scrutiny, which began in July, to assess potential competition concerns within the UK market. The CMA's findings indicate that Alphabet's investment in Anthropic does not pose a threat to market competition, allowing both companies to continue their collaboration without additional regulatory hurdles.

AI Watch

The Eyes Have It—ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature that allows users to have video calls with the AI. This development, hinted at in the latest beta build, is expected to be called 'Live Camera.' The feature, originally showcased in May, enables the AI to see and respond to visual inputs, enhancing user interaction. The rollout is part of a broader update that includes new voices and improved conversational abilities, making interactions with ChatGPT more natural and responsive. This advancement marks a significant step in integrating visual and auditory elements into AI communication, offering users a more immersive experience.

French Cooking—Mistral, the French AI startup, has unveiled major upgrades to its chatbot, Le Chat, including image generation, real-time web search with citations, and advanced document analysis. Powered by the open-source Pixtral Large model, Le Chat now rivals OpenAI with features like an interactive canvas for collaborative ideation and “Task Agents” for automating repetitive tasks like invoice processing. Le Chat’s free accessibility and user-friendly interface have attracted global attention. Mistral’s focus on co-designing AI models and tools for impactful applications positions it as a rising competitor in AI, emphasizing fast iteration and European innovation amid U.S.-centric AI dominance.

Being Mindful—The article "Mechanized minds: AI's hidden impact on human thought" explores the profound influence of artificial intelligence on human cognition. Drawing on the philosophies of Jiddu Krishnamurti, the piece argues that AI's ability to mimic human thought reveals the mechanical nature of our own thinking. Krishnamurti saw human thought as a computational habit, a cycle of experience, memory, and knowledge reinforced through repetition. This perspective challenges the notion that our thinking is always intelligent and creative. The article suggests that AI's success in passing the Turing test reflects not machine intelligence, but the mechanical aspects of human thought. Krishnamurti advised resisting mental stagnation by actively engaging in deeper mental pursuits, emphasizing that true human potential lies beyond mere thinking. The article underscores the need for humans to explore activities that transcend mechanical thought, setting us apart from machines.

It’s An AI Power Play—Washington state, once abundant in clean hydroelectric power, now faces an energy shortfall due to surging demands from AI-driven data centers and increased electrification across sectors. Utilities are exploring advanced nuclear, green hydrogen, and long-duration storage solutions, but these are years from large-scale deployment. Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are rapidly expanding data centers, consuming available hydro and carbon-emitting resources. Notably, Amazon is funding a feasibility study for a 320-megawatt nuclear facility in central Washington, securing rights to its future electricity output.

Amazon Watch

Time Is Money—Amazon's ambitious overhaul of Alexa, aiming to integrate advanced AI capabilities, has encountered significant setbacks. Initially slated for release this year, the revamped voice assistant's launch has been postponed to 2025 due to performance issues identified during beta testing. Users reported slow response times and challenges with smart home integrations, leading Amazon to halt the beta program. These developments have raised concerns about Alexa's future competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Robot Watch

Let The Humans Do It—Automation in warehouses is progressing but far from replacing human workers entirely. At Amazon and DHL facilities, robots like Cardinal and Proteus handle tasks such as stacking and moving items, while more advanced robots like Stretch can unload trucks efficiently. However, tasks requiring nuanced human dexterity, like picking specific items from piles, remain challenging for robots. Despite employing over 750,000 robots, Amazon's human workforce still outnumbers machines, with roles shifting towards robot maintenance and oversight. Advances in AI and robotics, such as improved sensors and learning algorithms, are accelerating progress, yet the balance between efficiency and human employment remains a critical discussion.

Telecom Watch

Go West Old Man—In a recent interview, Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm hinted at the possibility of relocating the company's headquarters from Sweden to the U.S., citing Europe's lagging position in the tech sector. He emphasized the need for European lawmakers to prioritize consolidation and reduce regulation to foster growth. Ekholm also acknowledged that U.S. sanctions on Huawei have been ineffective, with the Chinese company remaining a significant competitor. To counter this, Ericsson is investing in R&D and open RAN technologies, including a $14 billion contract with AT&T. Additionally, Ekholm expects the company's network API business to generate revenue within the next one to two years.

Social Media Watch

Instagram To Get A Reboot—Instagram is introducing a feature that allows users to reset their content recommendations, providing a "fresh start" with the app's algorithm. Accessible through the content preferences section in settings, this option enables users to refine their feed, Reels, and Explore suggestions to better align with their current interests. It's important to note that this reset doesn't delete any user data or affect ad personalization settings. While available to all users, Meta emphasizes its potential benefits for teens, offering them more control over their Instagram experience as their interests evolve.

Why BlueSky Works—Bluesky's recent surge to 15 million users and its ascent to the top of the App Store underscore a growing discontent with traditional big tech platforms. Unlike its competitors, Bluesky eschews invasive adtech, AI-driven content manipulation, and restrictive link policies, offering a user-centric experience. This approach has attracted many former Twitter users, especially following controversial decisions by Elon Musk, such as re-platforming previously banned accounts and altering user engagement features. Bluesky's success highlights a shift towards platforms that prioritize user autonomy and transparency over profit-driven algorithms.

EV Watch

Just Charge It—Retailers are increasingly embracing EV chargers as a profitable venture rather than just a tool to boost foot traffic. New studies highlight that EV chargers increase visits and spending near retail locations, with notable effects in high-income areas. Companies like Walmart and Hannaford are expanding charging networks, recognizing their value in attracting customers and promoting sustainability. Walmart, for instance, is investing heavily in its own branded charging stations, seeing strong demand. While chargers are costly to install, ranging from $7,000 for slow chargers to $175,000 for fast ones, companies view them as a way to attract affluent EV drivers, enhance brand image, and drive sales.

Coke Watch

It’s All Bad Taste—Coca-Cola's recent AI-generated Christmas advertisement has sparked significant controversy. The 15-second commercial, which reimagines the company's classic 1995 "Holidays Are Coming" ad, features AI-created scenes of red trucks delivering cola in a festive setting. Many viewers have criticized the ad as "creepy," "ugly," and lacking the emotional warmth of traditional advertisements. Critics argue that the use of AI in this context results in a "dystopian nightmare," highlighting concerns about the increasing role of artificial intelligence in creative industries.

Science Watch

Time’s Up—A new study suggests that time, long considered a fundamental aspect of our universe, might actually be an illusion stemming from quantum entanglement. This perspective offers a fresh approach to the inconsistency of time in our best theories of the universe, which has hindered the quest for a unified "theory of everything." Researchers propose that time is a result of the mysterious connection between particles separated by vast distances, known as quantum entanglement. Their findings, published in the journal Physical Review A, could provide a crucial clue to solving the problem of time.

Sports Watch

The NHL’s Growth Efforts—I don’t normally highlight my own posts here, but when I read about the NHL being recognized by Front Office Sports for so many “fan development” type efforts, I had to hit the brakes and call out reality. It is a reality of almost 50 years that I helped start, grow, and foster with the unyielding support of others who were like extra fathers and family in my life. After writing the LinkedIn post, I know that Sy, Ed, Aaron, Ken and Jim are smiling down on me, along with my parents.

Still in The Game—Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is set to lose its rights to broadcast NBA games on TNT starting next year. However, the company has secured the ability to produce NBA-related content for the next decade. This development follows a breach of contract lawsuit filed by WBD, which claimed the NBA violated its right to match competitor offers. The settlement grants WBD rights to create NBA content for digital platforms like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. Additionally, WBD has licensed its "Inside the NBA" studio show to ESPN, ensuring its continuation on a new network.